staycations

HALF of holidaymakers have changed their travel plans due to rising costs and global uncertainty – booking later and staying closer to home.

A poll of 2,000 adults who go on holiday found 22 per cent are arranging their getaways closer to departure and 32 per cent would rather stay somewhere closer to the UK.

Almost seven in 10 (67 per cent) are eager to avoid the strain of busy airports while 16 per cent have delayed getaways due to worldwide instability.

And 54 per cent have already committed to a staycation over the warmer months this year – having booked their UK getaway.

Further to this, more travellers will be heading to the South West of England this summer than making the traditional jaunt to Spain.

Ryan Johnson, senior vice president at Enterprise Mobility in the UK and Ireland, which commissioned the research, said: “This summer’s travel trends paint a clear picture of how UK holidaymakers are approaching their summer holidays, with domestic travel, and road trips in particular, firmly at the forefront.

“Cost, convenience and a desire for more flexibility are all shaping those decisions in meaningful ways.”

It also emerged cost was another key factor in the emergence of ‘stay-trippers’, people swapping overseas holidays for road trips and short breaks across the UK.

More than a third (37 per cent) would choose a domestic road trip over travelling overseas on price, according to the OnePoll.com data.

A third (35 per cent) also saw easier planning as a benefit of staying closer to home, while 33 per cent cited the added bonus of being able to be more flexible with their plans.

For those planning a road trip specifically, the Scottish Highlands (42 per cent), Lake District (40 per cent) and Cornwall (37 per cent) ranked as the most sought-after stops.

When it comes to driving specifically, reliability was the top priority when selecting a car up to the task (46 per cent), ahead of comfort and passenger space (39 per cent) and fuel efficiency (33 per cent).

Traffic, meanwhile, was the most cited concern for those taking to the road this summer (54 per cent).

Ryan Johnson from Enterprise Mobility added: “We see the results reflected in the way our customers choose their travel.

“Having the right vehicle in the right place at the right time is fundamental, and customers need a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable and well suited to the journey ahead, qualities that are essential to creating a great road trip experience.”

A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers suggests that half of Brits have changed their travel plans due to rising costs and global uncertainty, with many opting for a UK staycation instead of heading to Spain

Soaring costs are prompting holidaymakers to stick closer to home this summer – though many are embracing the freedom and ease of a UK break.

Half of all holidaymakers have altered their travel plans owing to rising costs and global uncertainty. A survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed that 22% are leaving their holiday arrangements to the last minute, while 32% would prefer somewhere nearer to home.

More than half (54%) have already booked a staycation, with more travellers set to head to the South West of England this summer than making the traditional pilgrimage to Spain.

Almost seven in 10 (67%) are keen to sidestep the stress of packed airports, while 16% have pushed back their getaway due to ongoing issues across the globe.

Ryan Johnson, senior vice president at Enterprise Mobility in the UK and Ireland, which commissioned the research, said: “This summer’s travel trends paint a clear picture of how UK holidaymakers are approaching their summer holidays, with domestic travel, and road trips in particular, firmly at the forefront.

“Cost, convenience and a desire for more flexibility are all shaping those decisions in meaningful ways.”

For ‘stay-trippers’ – those swapping foreign holidays for road trips and short breaks around the UK – cost was a deciding factor. More than a third (37%) would opt for a domestic road trip over travelling overseas on grounds of price.

According to OnePoll.com figures, a third (35%) also believe that holidaying closer to home makes the whole planning process simpler, while a further 33% said they can afford to be more flexible with their arrangements.

For those remaining in the UK and embarking on a road trip, the Scottish Highlands (42%), the Lake District (40%) and Cornwall (37%) came out as the most popular destinations.

When it comes to driving in particular, reliability was the number one priority when picking a suitable vehicle (46%), followed by comfort and passenger space (39%) and fuel efficiency (33%).

Traffic, meanwhile, was the most commonly cited worry for those hitting the road this summer (54%).

Ryan Johnson from Enterprise Mobility said: “We see the results reflected in the way our customers choose their travel.

“Having the right vehicle in the right place at the right time is fundamental, and customers need a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable and well suited to the journey ahead, qualities that are essential to creating a great road trip experience.”

Nearly half of Brits say the cost of living has put them off going abroad in 2026, with many choosing to holiday at home instead.

More than 25 million adults are giving foreign holidays a miss this year – with many choosing staycations to sidestep the stress of airports, travel disruption and worries over fuel shortages.

A survey of 2,000 Brits revealed that almost half (48%) have no plans to travel abroad in 2026, with the cost of living (33%) cited as the most common reason. Others are opting to explore Great Britain, saying they want to see more of the country, support the local economy, and avoid the risk of getting stuck abroad.

Over a third (34%) said concerns over fuel shortages have impacted their holiday plans this year. But despite this, 22% are perfectly happy that they haven’t booked an overseas trip, with 19% saying it isn’t worthwhile in the current climate.

Instead, 46% say there are plenty of fantastic destinations right on their doorstep. The Lake District, Devon and Cornwall rank amongst the most sought-after spots for a getaway in the coming months.

Research commissioned by National Rail found that 36% of staycationers plan to travel on holiday by train.

For many, it’s about more than simply getting from A to B. Picturesque views, the chance to spend time doing things they enjoy – such as reading – and the feeling that the holiday starts the moment the journey begins are all cited as key reasons train travel appeals to so many.

What’s more, the research suggests rail journeys can help people discover new places, with travellers saying they feel inspired to visit locations they pass through on the train.

Rail industry data showed a 10% increase in ticket sales between April and mid-May for summer travel to Britain’s most popular coastal destinations.

Sarah Apps for National Rail, said: “We’re seeing a real shift in how people are thinking about their summer holidays this year – with more looking to discover just how rewarding a Great British break can be.

“From breathtaking coastlines to vibrant cities and a peaceful countryside, there’s an incredible variety of destinations easily accessible by train.

“It’s great to see so many embracing the chance to discover places that feel a world away, without having to travel too far from home.”

The research also found that 35% see staycations as a better way to connect with friends and family, compared to just 9% who said the same about holidays abroad. A third believe staycations are ideal for creating nostalgic memories, while 22% say nothing beats a classic British summer.

Sarah Apps added: “Staycations can feel like a real home away from home, while giving people more time to connect with the people who matter most.

“Whether it’s discovering somewhere new or rediscovering an old favourite, it’s about making the most of the experience from start to finish.

“Travelling by train means your holiday can begin the moment you step on board – giving you time back to spend exactly as you choose. On the train you can relax with a good book, watch your favourite show, or chat and play games with family and friends.”